Black and Fuchsia Offers a Formal Yet Fun Celebration at Davis Islands Garden Club

Tabitha and Gary
Selected Photos by Alisa Sue Photography*

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When a client hands you a thick, three-ring binder at your final meeting two weeks before their wedding, should you be concerned? Not if you knew my girl, Tabitha! This spring bride realized she had much detail in her decor and itinerary. She wanted to leave nothing to "chance."

Tabitha and Gary had been engaged since 2010 when he proposed to her on one knee (hiding from her) in their bedroom, ring in hand. Four years later they celebrated with a 100-person wedding and reception at Davis Islands Garden Club.Their focus was simple: family, country music, and cajun food.

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We were able to dodge some late spring showers for the ceremony and formal pictures. Tabitha realized that she had to be flexible in dealing with the outdoor elements. So family shots were came together quickly on the side lawn of the clubhouse.

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Of special importance were the ones with their three children: Elese, Blain and Landen.

Much of the detail found in Tabitha and Gary's wedding focused on visual elements such as pictures and unique signage.

Subsequently the elements of color - namely in fuchsia and black made a dramatic statement throughout the reception. 

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Tabitha enlisted her talented mom and Publix to create the striking guest table centerpieces which were illuminated with either LED submersed lights or fuchsia pink LED uplit platforms. Tall floral pieces alternated with cylinder trios of submerged crystal strands with hot pink rose petals.

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At the bases were small clear vases holding fragrant Star Gazer Lilies. Floor length black cloths with fuchsia runners and napkins were accented by black chair covers and matching pink ties.

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We were delighted to be able to utilize wrought iron elements along with extra leftover fresh flowers for the buffet decor.

Tabitha's vision for her cake presentation came right off Pinterest: votive candles lining the perimeter of the circular table with tons of fuchsia rose petals filling in the center.

Although much of the couple's cuisine reflected the bride's New Orleans roots, we did offer a variety of hand-passed hors d'oeuvres such as crab-stuffed mushroom caps, tasty brushetta and mini empanadas.

Much of the food was "comfort" with Parmesean chicken and carved roast baron of beef.

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Her favorite dish though, was our Shrimp Creole prepared and presented in our huge pan.

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A photo booth provided an entertaining element for the guests.

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Thank you Tabitha and Gary for allowing us to be a part of your well-planned celebration.

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Event Planning, Coordination, and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL

Photography: Elisa Sue Photography

Flowers and Cake: Publix in Brandon

Entertainment: Dj Jason and Associates

Photo Booth: Party Starters

Pictures Say a Thousand Words at St. Pete Beach Community Center Wedding

Jamie & Kelly
May

Nothing say's LOVE more than pictures. And that was exactly what Jamie's family had in mind when they enlarged a collection of childhood pictures and displayed them during their wedding reception at the St. Pete Beach Community Center.

This adorable idea was spear-headed by Jamie's innovative mom, Teresa. This wonderful family came to us by way of a former client. Jamie and Kelly were both "no-nonsense" in their approach to their wedding. Jaime relied on her mom AND dad for much input because she knew they understood her style and expectations

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Jamie and Kelly loved the St. Pete Beach Community Center location because they could host both the ceremony and reception at the same site. Her parents came up with many clever decorating options including twinkle lighting and tulle along the outdoor stairway banisters. 

I was skeptical that everything they envisioned could be accomplished the day of the wedding. But they blew me away with their dedication to make everything "perfect" for their daughter's special day.

 

Jamie did her last minute getting ready at the community center with the held of bridal party members and mom.

Our white pergola arbor was the centerpiece of the ceremony on the SPBCC plaza. Jamie was set on a long aisle runner. Despite the breezy conditions, her dad's plan for keeping it in place worked perfectly. 

       A proud mom and dad of the bride.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the second level terrace with bar service provided by A New Dawn Bartending.  

  

When guests were ready to enter the main reception they found an over-sized custom seating chart in the wedding colors of black, hot pink, and white. 

Once inside the ballroom, everyone was blown away with the black and white life-sized images of Jamie and Kelly along the walls. 

A photo booth provided by Expert Productions opened for the evening in the main room.

The 140 guests were seated at all black tables and with matching chair covers and hot pink chair ties. Our duo of glass cylinders were filled with water and the client's submerged silk fuschia calla lily stems. An "I Spy" game card was placed at each place setting to quiz guests on how well they knew the bride and groom. 

On a sad note, the family had ordered the cake from Chef Nelson. Just a few weeks before the wedding, they learned he had died. One of Jamie's co-workers stepped in and offered to provide a substitute cake. 

It was a pleasure working with this talented family that brought an array of personalization to this celebration.

Event Planning, Decor, Coordination, and Catering - Catering by Robert / Event Concepts. FL

DJ: Rob Snyder

Photography: Wade , friend of the family

Photobooth: Expert Productions 

Bar service: New Dawn Bartending